Clarke, Frederick H. 1847 - 1880

CLARKE

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/24/2012 at 16:24:13

Note: He is buried in Le Mars Memorial Cemetery.

Thursday evening last the remains of Fred. H. Clarke, who died in San Diego, Cal., April 1st, reached this place, accompanied by Mrs. Clarke and her little son. At the depot a large delegation of Masons were in waiting to receive the body of their deceased brother, and they assumed immediate charge thereof. The body was taken to Masonic Hall, where it was kept until Sunday, a vigilant watch being kept until and day by members of the fraternity. Masonic Hall was tastefully draped, while from the exterior festoons of crape hung down.

The funeral hour was fixed for Sunday morning, at ten o'clock, and at that hour the Masons assembled in their rooms, and after the private ceremonies, the body was borne lo Van Siekel Hall, where a large congregation had assembled to pay their tribute to a worthy man and fellow citizen. The terrible storm prevailing kept many persons from the services, but not with standing the Hall was filled.

After a prayer by Rev. H. W . Jones, Rev. Arnold delivered an appropriate discourse, taking as his text these words: "We all do fade as a leaf," and "Life and immortality brought to light through the Gospel. The sermon was full of comfort to the sorrowing friends and at the same time impressed itself deeply upon the others who listened to it. Mr. Arnold paid a glowing but deserved tribute to the deceased, whose career closing in the early morning of life was so rich and pure in all points. At the close of these services, the Masonic fraternity again took charge of the body, carrying it to the cemetery, only the immediate friends following, as the storm was increasing in fury constantly. Arriving at the grave the usual rites or the brotherhood were observed, the Masons bravely enduring the storm of wind and sand for half an hour. Just as the body was being lowered into the grave, the sun burst forth from the clouds which had obscured it all the day, and with its beams falling gently upon the casket the ceremonies were concluded.

We have no wish to give fulsome praise to our friend who has gone. He was known by all the people of this town and county, and we feel confident that, never has the death of a citizen called forth such general expressions of sorrow.

Mr. Clarke was an honorable man, a true man, a good man, and his works will live after him.

At a special meeting of Giblem Lodge the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted :

WHEREAS, The Grand Master of the Universe has called from his earthly labors our beloved brother, F. H. Clarke ; therefore

Resolved, That we hereby express our hearty appreciation of the telling worth and character of our deceased Brother, both as man and a mason, and our deep sorrow at his early and untimely death.

Resolved, That in the death of Brother Clarke, Giblem Lodge No. 322, A. F. & A. M., has lost a dearly beloved member, and the masonic fraternity at large a worthy Brother.

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with his relatives and especially with his widow in irreparable loss they have sustained; and

WHEREAS, During the late illness of Brother Clarke our brethren of San Diego Lodge No. 35, A. V. & A. M., at San Diego, Cal., rendered most valuable Her vices in caring for him during his sickness and subsequent thereto; in the brotherly care taken of his remains, and in the kindness shown to his widow and orphan; therefore

Resolved, That we hereby tender to said Lodge our sincere thanks for their faithful and noble services in the cause of humanity and masonic-brotherhood.

Resolved, That the secretary of Giblem Lodge bit directed to furnish a copy of these resolutions to the widow of our deceased Brother, to Ran Diego Lodge No. 35, A. F . & A . M., and to the Iowa Liberal and Le Mars Sentinel for publication

The Iowa Liberal
Wednesday, April 21, 1880
Le Mars, Iowa